South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and Japan's new Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda spoke by phone Tuesday and agreed to work closely together in improving relations between the two countries and dealing with North Korea, an official said.

   During a 15-minute conversation, Lee said that what happened in the past should not be forgotten, but it should not keep relations between the two countries from moving forward, referring to Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of Korea, according to presidential spokesman Park Jeong-ha.

   Lee also said that he hopes the ties will develop in a future-oriented manner and that the two countries will cooperate closely with the United States to get North Korea to come out to the international community, the spokesman said.

   Noda said that South Korea is "the most important neighbor" for Japan and he hopes the two countries will build sincere relations.

The new prime minister also expressed hope for Seoul, Tokyo and Washington to continue cooperation on North Korea issues, including Pyongyang's abduction of Japanese nationals.

   The two leaders also exchanged views on economic issues, including the possibility of a free trade agreement between the two countries, the spokesman said.

   Noda took office last week as Japan's sixth leader in five years. (Yonhap News)